The 10-Day Turbocharged Diet

by
JILL CORLEONE, RDN, LD Last Updated: Feb 01, 2016

Jill Corleone, RDN, LD

Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian and health coach who has been writing and lecturing on diet and health for more than 15 years. Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Diabetes Self-Management and in the book "Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation," edited by John R. Bach, M.D. Corleone holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition.

The TurboCharged plan is a type of food-combining diet that's broken down into six rotating meals.Photo Credit encrier/iStock/Getty Images

When you're trying to lose weight, no one diet fits everyone, which may be why a slew of diet books are published every year. "TurboCharged," a diet book written by sister and brother team Dian and Tom Griesel, is touted to help you burn fat while keeping muscle. The authors report that within 10 days of starting the program, you'll be convinced of its effectiveness. If you're considering TurboCharged to help jump-start your weight loss, consult your doctor to discuss risks and benefits.

About TurboCharged

The authors of "TurboCharged" say you can retrain your body to burn fat instead of muscle in eight steps, which include what to eat, when and how to eat, and work out to burn fat. You'll also learn how to measure and track your body fat and become more attuned to your hunger. According to Kirkus Review, the "TurboCharged" book claims you can lose weight quickly following the program, as many as 25 pounds in 30 days, and you may get the results you desire in 10 days or fewer.

The 10-Day TurboCharged Diet Plan

The diet is not overly restrictive, according to Diets in Review, but one option to the program restricts intake to 800 calories a day. The TurboCharged plan is a type of food-combining diet that's broken down into six rotating meals, at which you eat mainly from one food group at each meal. According to the authors, eating certain foods at the same meal may cause you to gain weight and affect your health.

For example, one meal includes proteins only, such as meat, eggs, cheese, fish or tofu. Another meal comprises fruits and vegetables only, eaten once a day; vegetable options include starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes and fatty fruits such as olives and avocados. Two meals are slightly mixed, consisting of 90 percent protein and 10 percent fruits and vegetables or the opposite, 90 percent fruits and vegetables and 10 percent protein. Two smoothies make up the other two meals, one made with protein powder and water, and the other, fruit, protein powder and water.

The authors also discuss the importance of hydration while following the diet plan. Staying adequately hydrated may aid in hunger control because thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

Exercise Plan

Walking is a major part of the exercise plan, the amount depending on how much weight you need to lose, says Diets in Review. Strength-training is also part of the plan; it's recommended that you do body resistance exercises for three minutes every two to three hours throughout the day. The authors say these exercises are a tool to help control appetite, suggesting you do them when you're hungry. Exercises include lunges, planks, squats, push-ups and boxing upper cuts.

Pros and Cons

While the diet is filled with a variety of healthy options, you are not allowed any grains, which might make the diet difficult to follow long term. Also, no scientific evidence supports the theory that specific food combinations help weight loss or digestion, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

On the plus side, the focus on drinking water promotes adequate hydration, which may help dieters eat less. Another positive aspect of the program is walking, which is a good form of exercise, because it doesn't require any special equipment other than a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and it can be done anywhere, from your neighborhood to your local mall. However, the frequency of strength training recommended by this plan may be problematic. The American College of Sports Medicine says you should not strength-train every day, since training daily may prevent muscle recovery.